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Project Noah Nature School
Rynchops niger
Waterbird that resembles a large Tern. Black covering the top part of the bird from tail to head, just covering the eyes. White from below the eyes to the underside the tail. The wingspan can be up to 50 inches. Unusual bill is red at the base and black the rest. The upper bill is shorter then bottom. In the 4th image of the immature one you can see how the bill is mostly needle like. Uses the bill to skim the surface of the water for fish.
Most of their habitat for nesting is getting harder to find. These were in a saltwater pond standing on islands of sand.
Spotted on Oct 17, 2016
Submitted on Oct 18, 2016
19 Comments
Amazing series of pictures. Congrats from a bay area local!
Congrats on SOTW!
Heard the started draining on the 25th but it is a slow process.
Thanks. I had a surgery recently at the Redwood Kaiser. Spent a few days in redwood. Will check the place out when i go for a follow up visit.Wild life is in such a bad shape these days.It truly is a sad situation!
Hema it is in Redwood Shores area Redwood City on the end of Radio Road. . If you want to see them you have to hurry. They will be draining the ponds soon. Two years ago there was something toxic in the pond and it was killing the birds using it. They drained it once already but they will dredge it hoping to get rid of whatever it was. This could take years. Not sure where the birds will move to. Some have been seen in Hayward Shoreline on the east bay but not lately.
Thank you IrinaSh
Congratulations, Jellis!I told you once so each of your photos combines history, movement, impression.You show the uniqueness and beauty of nature.
Lovely! Where in Redwood city is this?
Thank you all.
Congrats on your SOTW. Lovely series.
Well deserved, Jellis!
Thank you Project Noah Team.
Awesome! Congratulations Jellis!!!!!
Congratulations Jellis, this great series has been voted Spotting of the Week!
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Yeah, it would be cool to see that remarkable looking beak in action! I will keep my fingers crossed for you :D
Thank you Armadeus, I just wish I had a photo of them feeding but they weren't hungry yet.
Wonderful series Jellis!!! Interesting looking bird. Thank you for the information and for sharing :)
Thanks for the nomination
Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!